Controlling stereocomplex crystal morphology in poly(lactide) through chain alignment.

The incorporation of poly(d-lactide) (PDLA) to form stereocomplex crystallites (SCs) within a poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) matrix is among the most effective strategies in overcoming PLLA's numerous drawbacks. However, high concentrations of PDLA (>3 wt%) are required to improve PLLA's crystallization kinetics and melt strength, which is undesirable owing to PDLA's high cost. In this study, we use chain alignment as a levier to tune stereocomplex superstructure morphology to overcome these limitations.

Two-Dimensional Correlation Analysis of iPP Bead Foaming Thermal Features Modeled by Fast Scanning Calorimetry.

The bead foaming of semicrystalline polymers is a complex thermal process involving the formation of multiple crystalline populations, which serve the dual purposes of ensuring the structural integrity of beads while also allowing bead sintering at the interface. The quality of this "double melting peak" structure is determined by the temperature and duration of the isothermal treatment of the beads as well as the quenching rate following the isotherm. Currently, the intricacies of the quenching process are not very well-known due to the challenge of replicating these rapid cooling rates in a laboratory setting.

Generation of Tough, Stiff Polylactide Nanocomposites through the Nanofibrillation of Thermoplastic Elastomer.

Polylactide (PLA) resins are among the most desirable biopolymers due to their biobased and compostable nature, excellent stiffness, and tensile strength. However, the widespread application of PLA has long been hindered by its inherent brittleness. While multiple routes have been successfully developed for the toughening of PLA, this toughening has always come at the cost of compromising the stiffness and strength of the matrix.

P wave indices, heart rate variability and anthropometry in a healthy South Asian population.

Background: South Asians have a low prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in comparison with White Europeans despite a higher burden of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease. The reason for this disparity is unclear but may relate to electrophysiological or structural differences within the atria or variations in autonomic function. We aimed to assess these areas using a range of non-invasive cardiac investigations.